comment

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Only four percent of eligible adults donate blood and about 50 percent of those individuals are repeat donors.

Those statistics have not changed much over the last three decades that Lou Costa has worked for the American Red Cross as a supervisor of operations for blood collection.

"We're always in need. We're always low," Costa said as he prepared for five hours of what he hoped would be heavy traffic at Greenburgh Town Hall Tuesday. "It's just an ongoing thing."

As of Tuesday morning, O negative blood was at an emergency level, meaning there was only one day supply, blood officials said. A minus, B minus, O plus and B plus were at critical levels, meaning there was less than a two day supply.

Costa said O negative is a universal blood type that can be used in an emergency.

"It can go to anyone in a pinch, just to keep them going," he said.

The Red Cross crew in Greenburgh was one of 50 throughout the state Tuesday looking for blood donors. Costa's goal in Greenburgh was attracting 16 white blood donors and four red blood donors.

"We do this every day," he said. "There's not a lot of people giving blood that can. Each pint donated could help two people in need."

The next local chance to donate blood is Monday through Thursday at West Point. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 90 is welcomed. Just bring positive identification.